Via SI.com
Key Players: LeBron James, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma
Following a five-year playoff drought and three of the worst seasons in franchise history, the front office duo of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka nabbed the big fish -- Andre Ingram. After spending 10 years honing his craft in the NBA's developmental league, the 32-year-old asserted himself as the primed successor to the throne Kobe Bryant stepped down from. As the grey hairs on his head suggest, Ingram can provide the young Los Angeles core of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram with the veteran leadership needed to make the leap from a group with great potential to a group with great production.
As outlandish as that last paragraph seems, that would probably be the logic of your common Laker fan if it wasn't for the real big nab of this summer. From Jordan Clarkson-Russell Westbrook comparisons to mentally signing every available free-agent, Lakers fans have been clinging to any sense of hope over the last half-decade's struggle.
On July 2nd, 2018, LeBron James single-handedly erased the nightmarish memories of starting lineups featuring Ryan Kelly, Robert Sacre, and Tarik Black. Signing a 4-year, 153.3 million contract, LeBron James excellerrated an already promising rebuild into being one or two pieces away from title contention.
Rather than losing more pieces of a budding core(Julius Randle, recognizing an incoming decrease in his role, signed with the New Orleans Pelicans), the Lakers front office decided to sign the group LeBron wants the world to address as 'MUD'. The 'Misunderstood, Under-appreciated, and Determined' group consists of the offseason additions Michael Beasley, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Lance Stephenson.
Los Angeles' Best Case Scenario
Via NBA.com
The advantage of the NBA having a Goliath team is that the other 29 teams face lower expectations. Think about it, if David would've gotten choked out by Goliath everyone would say their "damn, too soon" and "rest in power" for David. No one would look at a deceased David and say "maybe if he was getting extra slingshots in before practice, he'd still be alive." David is free of expectations and martyred thanks to his mere attempt. If he dies at the hands of Goliath, it was expected; if he dethrones the giant, he's remembered as the greatest defiance of odds ever.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have the good fortune of playing the role of David this season. The ceiling on Los Angeles has been set as the Western Conference Finals, and even that is being graded on a curve.
One thing not being graded on a curve is how certain pieces look next to LeBron James.
Last year's second overall pick, Lonzo Ball, knows the pressure is on stating, " Guys have been in there working extra hard for him, and for themselves as well. We think we can do something big this year." Ball, currently recovering from a torn left meniscus, averaged an impressive 10/7/7/2 statline on his way to earning a spot on the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team; but, with a shaky at best jumper and timid offensive tendencies, his development will be a large factor in the Laker's season and future.
Ball isn't the only second-year Laker playing under a developmental microscope this season, as Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma survived a whirlwind of trade rumors. If not for Utah's Donovan Mitchell, Kyle Kuzma would be considered the steal of the 2017 NBA draft. Often being referred to as the best rookie of last season's drafted trio, the former 27th overall pick averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds and earned the accolade of being named to last year's All-Rookie First Team.
Josh Hart had a less decorative rookie season, averaging 8 points and 4 assists a night, but his glimpses of potential proved enough to make him an untradeable asset this offseason. Retaining Hart seemed like another offseason win for Los Angeles as he would go on to be named the NBA's 2018 Summer League MVP behind a 22.4 scoring average.
The last, and maybe most important, ingredient in this season being a success is the third year development of Brandon Ingram. Due to his similar genetic makeup and ability to score, Ingram has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant since high school. Kevin Durant averaged 30 and 8 in his third NBA season. Brandon Ingram is not Kevin Durant; however, a 20 points per game season is very manageable for the 21-year-old. Ingram averaged 16.1 points a night last season and increased in every category used to measure efficiency while attempting more shots.
If the young Los Angeles core makes Johnson and Pelinka look smart for keeping them together, the Lakers' season will be a major success regardless of their outcome against Goliath.
Los Angeles' Worst Case Scenario
Via USA Today
Rajon Rondo had trouble following the coaching of future Hall of Famers Rick Carlise and Doc Rivers. LeBron James made the world think Erik Spoelstra, a perennial Coach of the Year candidate, wasn't fit to lead a team, and publically belittled the Tyronn Lue, a coach he campaigned for. When asked to describe Lance Stephenson in one word, Nate McMillan chose silence. Now put all those players on one team and throw a megaphoned LaVar Ball in the stands.
Luke Walton, just six years older than James and Rondo, has a long season ahead of him.
First is the power dynamic, "Who is calling the shots?" LeBron, LeBron has all the power. During a Summer League interview Magic Johnson directly said James can "do what he wants ... he's earned that."
However, this is nothing new; James has led teams to NBA championships with this treatment, but never has James or Walton led a team with such a clear divide. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the only player on the roster between the ages of 23 and 28. The roster is an uncommon blend of players on the verge of entering their prime and players on nearing the horizon of their peak.
Walton is now tasked with molding the future of the franchise while maximizing a personality-filled present. If Walton fails to do either one, the 2018-2019 season will be viewed in a negative light and his seat will start to feel the warmth.
Record Prediction: 48-34; A second-round appearance and noticeable player development feeds the appetite of a starved fanbase.